"Without question, young people face many of life's most important decisions in those transition years between high school and the working world.  Unfortunately too many students are unaware of their education and employment options.  The path they follow to their careers is indirect, and their decisions are often based on scant information."  These facts are confirmed by a recent study, conducted for Ferris State University's Career Institute for Education and Workforce Development, in partnership with the National Association of Manufacturers, the Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation, and the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation.

The report indicates that the nation's career guidance system is falling short.  Business interests call for more properly trained workers, at the same time questioning the value of a traditional four-year college education in providing that training.  Research shows a stark disconnect between the courses of study students pursue and existing career openings and business needs.

Finally, research shows only a fraction of students who pursue higher education nationwide will graduate.  The results of this study yield a number of interesting conclusions and suggest new ways of approaching career education and the K-12 system and beyond -- methods to improve the ability of students to choose careers and career paths and to provide business and industry with skilled and satisfied employees.

This study is a "must read" for any teachers, guidance counselors, and high school juniors and seniors! 

Details of the report, Decisions Without Direction, c.2002, Ferris State University, may be found on the Internet at http://www.ferris.edu/careerinstitute

Information provided by and used with permission of:
Dan Hurley, Assistant to the President and
Acting Co-Director, Career Institute
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI 49307